ACCOMPANIED BY A CERTIFICATE, GUARANTEE, INSTRUCTIONS BOOKLET, PRESENTATION CASE, FOOTBALL JERSEY SIGNED BY LEO MESSI AND A SOCCER BALL SIGNED BY LEO MESSI.

Catalogue Note

No 10 Royal Oak Chronograph Leo Messi

It is an immense privilege for Sotheby’s to be presenting this limited edition Royal Oak Leo Messi wristwatch in aid of the Leo Messi Foundation.

Leo Messi is known as one of the best footballers in the world and is the holder of many records. At the age of just 25 he has already won the FIFA Ballon d’Or award four consecutive times. The Argentinian has made a huge impact on football with his exceptional technique and exemplary sense of team work and fair play. In 2012, he scored no less than 91 goals in 69 matches a new world record.

Having been an ambassador for Audemars Piguet since 2010, Leo Messi collaborated with the brand to produce this Royal Oak limited edition chronograph, which coincided with the 40th anniversary of the Royal Oak – a timeless icon of sporting elegance.

This striking watch with elegant dial comes without the standard ‘tapisserie’ motif which is common place on Royal Oak models. It has a deep blue dial with three subsidiary dial which are encircled by a finely brushed silvered ring. This watch being number 10 in a limited series of only 100 pieces in platinum is especially significant as it is Leo Messi’s number as striker for FC Barcelona and Argentina.

The proceeds of the sale of this watch will be given in their entirety to the Leo Messi Foundation. Created in 2007 by Leo Messi with the support of his family, the mission of the foundation is to help children and adolescents at risk. Whether in Argentina or the rest of the world, the Foundation concentrates on projects aiming to improve health (especially fighting against child cancers and the Chagas disease) as well as to support education.

“I bring my full support and express my sincere gratitude to every initiative contributing to the Foundation’s projects. The funds raised in this auction will allow us to rehabilitate the Children Public Hospital in my home city of Rosario”. - Leo Messi.

The watch is accompanied by a signed number 10 jersey and football along with the original drawing of the watch signed by the footballer and Audemars Piguet’s Chief Artistic Officier, Octavio Garcia. The successful bidder will also be given the opportunity to meet the football legend in person in Barcelona.

This watch is being sold for charity and therefore has not been given an auction estimate, the current suggested retail price is CHF 80,000.

Watch in mint condition.
The strap of this watch is made of endangered species. More information please consult important notices."In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watchesSotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."